Current Affairs

Agriculture

Syllabus-mapped editorials, PIB updates, reports, judgments, and policy news for prelims and mains revision.

03 September 2026

Editorials03 Sep 2026thehindu.com

Many layers: On onion produce, issues

The article discusses the Indian government's struggle to balance remunerative prices for onion farmers with affordable prices for consumers, highlighting the limitations of short-term interventions. It details various policy measures like export bans, duties, and procurement prices, and points out issues such as erratic weather, lack of long-term storage solutions, inefficient stock movement, and the challenges of implementing welfare schemes like PDS for perishable goods. The piece advocates for proactive measures over reactive policies to protect farmers from price shocks and ensure stable supply.

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23 August 2026

News & Analysis23 Aug 2026thehindu.com

Sowing the seeds of a solar power intervention

The article explores Agrophotovoltaics (AgriPV), a practice combining agriculture and solar power generation on the same land, through a farmer-led pilot project in Rajasthan. It highlights benefits such as diversified farm income, reduced heat stress for crops, and water savings. However, it critically examines significant challenges to wider adoption, including high upfront capital costs, policy and regulatory hurdles, financing issues, weak rural grid capacity, and the lack of clear standards and a supportive ecosystem. The article discusses government initiatives like PM-KUSUM and offers recommendations for scaling AgriPV, involving institutions like ICRIER, NABARD, and MNRE.

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22 August 2026

17 August 2026

15 August 2026

GS-2Reports15 Aug 2026downtoearth.org.in

Our plate in the courtroom

The article likely discusses legal challenges, judicial interventions, or policy debates in the courtroom concerning various aspects of food, agriculture, and related policies in India. It could cover issues ranging from food security and the right to food to agricultural subsidies, food safety standards, or environmental impacts of food production, all viewed through a legal or governance lens.

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10 August 2026

News & Analysis10 Aug 2026indianexpress.com

Despite recent monsoon revival, why El Niño fears are not over yet

The article analyzes how a July monsoon revival, despite a strengthening El Niño, helped narrow the kharif sowing gap after a very dry June. However, it warns that the full impact of El Niño, particularly on rabi crops due to projected warm winters and global food prices (especially vegetable oils), is yet to manifest due to its lagged effects and continued intensification. India's substantial buffer stocks of rice, wheat, and pulses are highlighted as a mitigating factor against food inflation.

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05 August 2026

PIB Daily05 Aug 2026pib.gov.in

Government Strengthens Livestock Development, Dairy Productivity and Animal Health Across the Country

The article details the Indian government's initiatives to bolster livestock development, dairy productivity, and animal health. Union Minister Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh highlighted flagship schemes like the National Livestock Mission (NLM), Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF), Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM), and Livestock Health & Disease Control Programme (LHDCP). These schemes support infrastructure, scientific breeding, disease control, fodder development, and entrepreneurship. Specific examples include support for pig farming in Assam, establishment of a Pig Semen Collection and Processing Laboratory, and widespread Classical Swine Fever vaccination. The article also notes significant increases in bovine milk productivity and national milk production. Efforts to improve fodder security involve quality seed production, support for hay/silage/TMR, FPOs, and high-yielding forage varieties by ICAR-IGFRI. Disease control measures include 100% Central assistance for FMD and Brucellosis vaccination under the National Animal Disease Control Programme, and digital advisory services via the Bharat Pashudhan app.

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PIB Daily05 Aug 2026pib.gov.in

PARLIAMENT QUESTION: WEATHER-BASED AGRO-ADVISOR SERVICES

The government, through the India Meteorological Department (IMD) under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), has significantly enhanced weather forecasting and agro-advisory services using advanced technologies like high-performance computing (HPC), Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) models (e.g., BharatFS), and Artificial Intelligence (AI)/Machine Learning (ML) tools. These improvements aim to provide accurate, high-resolution, and localized weather forecasts, including Panchayat-level advisories, accessible via various digital platforms and mobile apps (e.g., MAUSAM, MEGHDOOT, DAMINI, UMANG). The Gramin Krishi Mausam Sewa (GKMS) scheme, implemented in collaboration with ICAR and SAUs, delivers district-specific agro-meteorological advisories to farmers across the country.

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03 August 2026

PIB Daily03 Aug 2026pib.gov.in

Every ₹1 invested under Kisan Credit Card– Modified Interest Subvention Scheme (KCC-MISS) contributes ₹2.30 to net value addition in the agriculture & allied sector, Third-party Assessment says

A third-party assessment of the Kisan Credit Card – Modified Interest Subvention Scheme (KCC-MISS) by ISEC, Bengaluru, found that every ₹1 invested contributes ₹2.30 to net value addition in the agriculture and allied sector. The article highlights government efforts to enhance KCC accessibility, including expanding coverage, simplifying procedures, and strengthening digital access for farmers, including small and marginal ones. It also provides detailed state-wise data on operative KCC accounts, outstanding amounts, and Non-Performing Assets (NPAs) across agriculture, animal husbandry, and fisheries sectors from 2021-22 to 2025-26.

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22 July 2026

PIB Daily22 Jul 2026pib.gov.in

Branch of the Bharatiya Beej Sahakari Samiti Limited in Bihar

The Bharatiya Beej Sahakari Samiti Limited (BBSSL) operates in Bihar through field officials and the Bihar Rajya Beej Nigam Limited, its designated nodal agency. While no formal branch office exists, BBSSL coordinates seed distribution, business development, and monitoring of seed-related activities, including direct supply to cooperative societies. BBSSL implements a farmer-centric pricing model, ensuring seed-producing farmers receive the highest of MSP plus a minimum 10% incentive, prevailing mandi market price, or the concerned State Seed Corporation’s procurement rate. This model aims to provide assured procurement, protect farmers from price fluctuations, and offer a remunerative premium for quality seed production.

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News & Analysis22 Jul 2026thehindu.com

WhatsApp weather alerts for people in Telangana villages under IMD’s Mission Mausam

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) is implementing 'Mission Mausam' to provide panchayat-level weather forecasts and agrometeorological advisories to residents and farmers in Telangana villages via WhatsApp. This initiative leverages the Panchayat Mausam Seva Portal, integrated with digital governance platforms like e-GramSwaraj, and utilizes networks such as Krishi Sakhis and Pashu Sakhis for last-mile dissemination. The service aims to deliver critical information on weather events and crop-specific guidance to minimize agricultural losses, supported by IMD's extensive weather observation infrastructure.

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